You're seeing this message because you're using an older version of Internet Explorer that is unsupported on our website. Please
use these links to upgrade to a modern web browser that fully supports our website and protects your computer from security risks.

Frostburg State University has chosen 22-year veteran of the Maryland State Police as the next chief of University Police. Retired MSP Lt. Col. Cynthia R. Smith of Grantsville, who is currently the administrator of the Garrett County Detention Center, will assume her duties April 1.

“I was extremely impressed with Chief Smith’s view of the role she wants to play with our students and the local community,” said FSU President Jonathan Gibralter. “Her goal for the future is on prevention first, enforcement and developing relationships with students and the community. I feel very fortunate to have someone of her caliber agree to join the Frostburg State University community.”

Smith said a university atmosphere, and specifically FSU’s atmosphere, fits well with her policing philosophy. “I’m a participatory manager and a participatory police officer. It’s critical to listen to the community we have there, the students, the faculty and the police officers,” she said. “Frostburg State University really embodies the community policing concept.”

Smith agrees wholeheartedly with Gibralter’s approach to preventing the abuse of alcohol among students. “He’s committed to preventing dangerous binge drinking, and his ideas are dead spot on,” she said.

Smith has spent a total of 26 years in law enforcement, including 16 years in a command capacity, including as chief, Special Programs for the State Police. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the Johns Hopkins Police Executive Leadership Program, and she is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum, the Traffic Institute of Northwestern University and Garrett Community College.

Smith succeeds Acting Police Chief Clyde W. “Bill” Stewart, a 34-year veteran of University Police, and Police Chief Brian Shanley, who served as chief since 1988 and who retired in October.

For more information about Frostburg State University, visit www.frostburg.edu or call the Office of Admissions at 301-687-4201.